Garden equipment question...what can't you live without?

Lalaladybird

My OH is getting into gardening in a big way lately so I'd like to get him a piece of equipment for his upcoming birthday. I'm thinking of a garden blower/vac. I don't want to waste money :money: or buy something he won't use. Are these a good purchase and if so, which one would you recommend?

If they are not, what other pieces of garden equipment do you find invaluable?

Jack's_mummy

My secateurs and watering can are my 2 essentials.

cherub1965

we have one and they arent actually that good.was a gift.how about a nice bench? i make loads of use of mine sat on my bum doing nowt,lol.i bought my parents a water feature a couple of years ago,not overly expensive and nice addition

Yorkie1

If you're thinking of getting something he will be using frequently, such as a secateurs, fork, spade etc I'd strongly recommend he actually chooses them. The way they feel in the hand, particularly for secateurs, is vital so best to get it right.

Felco secateurs are the best, used by all the professionals, but not cheap. They don't make them the right size to fit my hand, otherwise that would be a birthday pressie for sure.

wssla00

Depending on the size of the garden and how much you would want to pay, I would say my greenhouse is the best present for my garden I have ever got. It is brilliant!

Kay_Peel

A sharp hoe

A lawn edger

A 'lady' spade for small hands

Pruning shears/loppers

Secateurs

A sharpening file to keep everything working, and a small can of oil to lubricate the tools.

knithryn

Gardening flexible tub thing for weeds. (very cheap in Asda)
Decent wooden handled trowel.
My felco secateurs.
Lawnmower.
Decent hosepipe with reel. Preferably a hose that won't kink easily.

All else I could improvise with.

Other very handy stuff...
A paper potter to make pots from newspaper
Greenhouse
Plant food/growmore etc
Garden chairs

heynonnynonny

Definitely good secateurs, mine are on their way out and not very sharp!
What about a compost bin too?